NBA Power Rankings Week 11: All-Star break edition

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 09: Kyrie Irving #11 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 09, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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. 24-13. Previous: 5th. Los Angeles Lakers. 7. team. 20

Last Week: Beat Golden State Warriors 117-91, Lost to Phoenix Suns 114-104, Lost to Sacramento Kings 123-120

This Week: 3/12 vs. Indiana Pacers

Winning a championship earns teams plenty of leeway. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers know that well, so their recent struggles have been mostly ignored given the obvious absence of Anthony Davis. James missed his first game of the season heading into the break, leading to another disappointing loss.

Another reason the issues have been ignored is that no matter who takes the floor, the Lakers have continued to be an elite defense. They have the top defensive rating in the league by two full points. With Davis missing the last eight games, the Lakers have certainly dipped, but they still rank an impressive ninth during that time period.

The Lakers will remain one of the top landing spots for buyout targets and are the title favorites when the entire roster is healthy. They have earned that level of confidence after their run last season. James has made it clear that he wants to win another MVP award. Even if that is not likely to happen, a motivated LeBron James is nothing to be trifled with.

Don’t be surprised if some of the struggles continue after the break. Anthony Davis should not be rushed back given the nature of his injury. Until this team is fully healthy, they are vulnerable. However, once they are back together, they remain the favorites to win it all.